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It seems as though we are already entering the teething stage with Andy – at 5 ½ months old. At this point, Annie already had her first two teeth. She was an EASY teether – she hasn’t really done anything else easily, so I caught a break there. 
One morning she would wake up and BAM! She had new teeth. It was nice…and now, we have Andy. And so far some days I can tell his mouth just hurts – poor guy. Dumb teeth.
So, I thought I would take a day and tell y’all the way we handle teething ‘round these parts – “these parts” being my house. These ideas are by far from exhaustive – just look on Pinterest and there are about a million ideas for teething.
Make sure to stick around until the end where I have an awesome teething giveaway from More Than Alive. And even if you don’t have a teether – these items are excellent for other uses. 
1. Teething drops and teething tablets
You can find these items in lots of locations. I like to purchase mine from Vitacost because their prices are SO GREAT (Make sure to use $10 off your first order in that link)! When Annie WOULD have teething problems (molars) she responded great to these. I used them almost exclusively for her. I like using homeopathic things.
Just as a note – if your toddler accidentally eats half a bottle of these and you panic and call Poison Control, they might just laugh at you and tell you it would take about 3 bottles of these to even see an effect. So, yeah. Just an FYI for ya.
2. Vibrating Teether
I purchased one of these from Target. Annie used it just a little bit, because I think it sorta scared her. Can’t say I blame her – who wants to put a vibrating strawberry in their mouth? Anyway – I kept it for Andy and maybe he’ll like it better. Boys are weird.
3. Catnip
Okay, okay. I realize most of you are totally thinking about cats acting all crazy on catnip right now. That’s cool…I know where you’re coming from. But Catnip leaf is great for all sorts of teething problems! The ABC Herbal book gives you the run-down on catnip. (Book giveaway at end.)
You can make a tea out of the catnip and soak a washcloth in it…then let your child suck or chew on it.
4. Clove Essential Oil
I love using essential oils and herbs. Clove has a numbing effect, so it’s great for any teething problem you might have. Dilute ONE drop of essential oil in ONE tablespoon of a carrier oil and apply to the gums. Check it out on yourself before giving to baby just to make sure it’s not too strong – depending on oils, you might need more or less.
Carrier oils are: olive oil, almond oil, jojoba, or grapeseed. I use almond oil.
5. Vanilla Extract
Not the fake stuff…the good stuff. The stuff you make at home with, wait for it…alcohol. And no, Stacy does not condone getting babies sloshed. I don’t condone getting adults sloshed either, but hey – a little alcohol on the gums numbs them and makes them feel better. Andy likes this method. I take a little vanilla out, dip my finger in it and then rub it on his gums.
My mom saw this method on the The Doctors TV show, so please don’t send me hate mail about babies getting hammered. Thank you.
6. Amber Teething necklaces
Isn’t my boy handsome? I purchased an Amber teething necklace for him from Bouncy Baby Boutique. Amber has natural healing properties when worn against the skin. I have several friends who use these and talk highly about how well they work.
Use these with caution – always supervise when baby is wearing one and don’t let them sleep in them. One more thing – never wake a sleeping baby. Amen.
7. Teething Cream
This is something new I’m trying this go around. I found the recipe at Modern Alternative Mama and it was so easy. It calls for clove oil, coconut oil, and cocoa butter. You melt the coconut oil and cocoa butter and mix in the clove oil. That’s it. Let it stay in the fridge to be cool and solid. Rub on the baby’s gums. Nice! I love easy, homemade items like this. Plus, I love mason jars. Please send mason jars.
*I purchase my cocoa butter from Amazon. Make sure it’s food grade. Note – don’t eat it plain. You will want to…but don’t do it.
And now for the giveaway! More Than Alive sent me a teething package. Included was: clove oil, catnip, and The ABC Herbal book – the book is EXCELLENT and if you’re looking into natural medicine, this is a great way to start! And now I get to give one away! Woooooo!!! Even if you don’t have a teether, these items are useful for anyone. One winner will receive:
This is a $25 value.
To enter, leave a comment letting me know your favorite teething remedy. Giveaway will end on Friday, February 15th at 9pm EST.
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About Stacy
Hi, I'm Stacy! Welcome to Stacy Makes Cents! I'm a naturally-minded, frugal living mama, who likes to blog about living debt free in everyday life. Delicious (and healthy) recipes, money tips, and frugal living posts abound here! Enjoy your stay. Romans 13:8 
I was skeptical but an amber necklace worked wonders for my grandson. Some of my own children loved a wooden teething spoon. This was hand carved by a family friend and polished smooth. It looked more like a figure-eight with a curved spoon like area on one end, raised rings on the center and a rounded paddle area on the other end. This gave different surfaces and shapes upon which to gnaw.
I loved Hyland’s Teething Tablets with my first.
Our favorite teething remedy is to freeze a wet wash cloth & put it on baby’s gums. We have also used the vibrating teether. Some of my little ones liked it & some did not.
For my late teether, I cut whole wheat bagels into 6 pieces and froze them. Then I would give him one straight out of the freezer. They are wonderful.
We’ve been using the Gentle Naturals teething drops for my son but I really want to try the clove oil!
I used orajel. Not very ‘natural’
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I haven’t had much success finding anything that works with my son.
I have tried a natural teething gel, but it only seems to work for a few minutes. I am very excited to try the methods you mentioned above!!
We use Hyland’s Teething Tabs and an Amber Teething necklace. I’d love some new tricks though. My little one is having a rough time!
I don’t have a favorite teething remedy yet… still waiting on this little one to make his appearance! But I know clove oil works for other mouth issues, so I imagine it would be good for teething, too.
My son wears the amber necklace and our first go to is the hylands teething tablets
What a timely post! Thank you! I’m a newbie to this, and my poor sweet girl has been suffering this last week because she is cutting multiple teeth at the same time. She seems to like a regular spoon that I put in the refrigerator – obviously, I closely supervise her so she doesn’t jam the handle end down her throat.
I’ve used the little chamomile tablets before, and I just saw a cool silicone teether in my Parents magazine that has “fingers” on it that can reach to the back teeth.
We have used Hyland’s Teething Tables. More recently, cold mini carrots have worked to sooth the gums.
Back in the day….
I made a homemade little rice pack that I would put in the freezer and then give to my son to gnaw on. I haven’t had to deal with major teething fussiness, though. I am curious about trying an amber necklace with our next baby.
My son is 1 and has had trouble through all his 4 teeth, poor baby. We’ve tried Hyland’s Teething Tablets, teeters of all sorts, and lately the wet frozen washcloths. Those seem to be okay, but nothing is awesome. I plan to try a couple of your remedies to ease his pain. Thanks for posting!
Yes yes yes thank you for this post! My little man is cutting a stampede of choppers like my girls never did and he is fussy! I never thought about clove for babies! Stacy- you’re so smart, thanks for sharing.
Pretty much all I ever do is a frozen washcloth and hand him something to chew on. But I’m beginning to think that won’t work for my guy when he gets his molars. Would love to try some of these!
With my own kids I used Orajel with the first (I know, the horror, I was young and very naive) but with my younger ones I used Hyland’s teething tablets & mesh bags with frozen fruit. If I had a new baby I would definitely try the amber teething necklace, so the next best thing I’m buying one for my niece.
We love frozen grapes- sounds weird but works.
Hyland’s Teething Tablets have helped us through those tough nights.
So funny, we have the vibrating strawberry too! But, my girl loved it.
Seemed like other than that she became addicted to nursing to ease her owie mouth. I remember her going on a good 2-hour marathon at one point!
I used Gum-o-mile oil and an amber teething necklace!
I use Hyland’s teething tablets with my baby girl. She thinks she’s getting a treat!
I’ve always used vanilla on our three children.